Fly and flop, Villa style

This May half term was all about the fly and flop holiday and what better place to pick than the Balearic island of Menorca. Just a 2-hour flight and hopefully some sunshine - this seemed to be the perfect place to have a villa for a week with the luxury of our own pool. We decided on the Maribel villa complex in the peaceful resort of Cala Blanca, Just an hour’s taxi transfer from the airport.

We loved the modern style and furnishings and the villa had everything required for a self-catering holiday. With 3 bedrooms (2 downstairs and 1 upstairs) and 2 bathrooms, always great when travelling with children! We even had a washing machine, dishwasher and full-size fridge. The outside space where we spent most of our time was a perfectly enclosed area with the all-important padded sunbeds, good sized kidney shaped swimming pool, terrace area with dining table and a BBQ. For a home from home holiday this had everything we needed!

We were lucky with the weather which can be a bit changeable towards the end of May, so pretty much spent the days around the pool watching the children dive bombing, sorry neighbours! Basically, a chilled week reading and chatting the days away!

Cala Blanca is a quiet resort, however there are three great cove beaches with snack bars and restaurants nearby and the most gorgeous blue crystal-clear water.

Although we catered in the villa during our week and supermarkets had all the essentials, we did eat in some fantastic restaurants. A favourite was the Cova Sa Nacra perched on the water’s edge. This has the most stunning views and fabulous food and the Sangria Cava was pretty good! It’s always a good sign when it seems popular with locals! To be honest the resort isn’t for those looking for anything other than a meal out and maybe a cocktail in the Irish bar but suited us perfectly, so we retreated to the villa in the evening.

Locally there is a bus service to other resorts and Ciutadella taking around 15/20 mins so head there for bigger supermarkets or if you have a car during your stay. There is a great market as well to pick up those gifts and souvenirs.

My top picks for Cala Blanca are:

• The Blarney Stone Bar – a lovely Irish bar, perfect for a great gin or cocktail and ice cream for the kids! Great sunset views from the front seated area. • Eat paella in one of the many waterfront restaurants. Do as the locals do, eat at lunchtime and take a siesta! • Have a day at one of the two lovely beaches at either end of the resort. Walk along the front and see the typical Menorcan houses, Instagram worthy pictures of Bougainvillea and sea views! Menorca is a lovely island, and this was my second visit. It’s a perfect family setting with low key nightlife and lazy beach days. What more could you need from a great short haul holiday? That fly and flop criteria was well and truly ticked!